A split with Idaho, recognition from the ECHL, call ups to the AHL, and the addition of a new player were the main events this past week for the Victoria Salmon Kings. For a second time, David Shantz was named ECHL Goaltender of the week. Along with rookie d-man Taylor Ellington, Shantz has been selected to play in the upcoming ECHL All-Star Game.

In mid-week, Ellington was recalled to the AHL Manitoba Moose, then two days later, another d-man, Jimmy Sharrow was loaned to the Moose. Sharrow has been a key addition that helped the Salmon Kings in their recent 12 game win streak. To offset these moves, the Salmon Kings added d-man Neil Petruic to the roster.

Now to the on ice action. Inexplicably, in the first game of a two game series, the Idaho Steelheads made constant visits to the SOFMC sinbin with many undisciplined penalties. With Idaho leading 2-1 early in the third, Gary Gladue unleashed a wicked shot from the point that was his first goal since March 8, 2008. (Thanks to Sean Clark for that info.) That was at the 6:13 mark. Steelhead Mark McCutcheon would take two quick goaltender interference penalties, and both turned into Wes Goldie power play goals. Gary Gladue assisted on both, thus in 3 minutes, he saw his season point total increase by a third. On the first power play goal, David Shantz got a rare goalie assist.

New Salmon King Neil Petruic went down in a scary moment. He had to be helped off the ice. Although there was no penalty called, the ECHL review gave the culprit Marty Flichel a five game suspension plus "an undisclosed fine." Wes Goldie put the icing on the cake, with his hat trick goal going into an empty net, to give the home side a 5-2 win.

Then came the Saturday rematch where the Steelheads struck back and played like a Conference leading team. For much of the night, they appeared to be a step ahead of the home side. Kyle Radke did a superb job of shadowing Wes Goldie. For a brief moment there was light at the end of the tunnel for the Salmon Kings in the second period. Goals by Olivier Filion and Wes Goldie put the home side within two goals. Then in the tiny space of 13 seconds the Steelheads scored, making it a 6-2 game. At that point David Shantz was pulled from the net for Glenn Fisher. When the dust settled, it ended in an 8-2 Idaho victory. Had it been a two game total goal series, the result would have been in favour of Idaho 10-7.

This week, its a quick turnaround for the Salmon Kings with four home games in five nights. Tues/Wed vs Las Vegas, and Fri/Sat vs Bakersfield.

SOME STATS TO PONDER....with 497 PIMs, the Salmon Kings are one minute behind Cincinnati for the fewest PIMs in the ECHL...with 24 goals, Wes Goldie is tied for Utah's Ryan Kinasewich for the most in the league....three of the top ten National Conference scorers are Salmon Kings, 3rd is Chad Painchaud, 5th is Olvier Latendresse, and 10th is Wes Goldie....David Shantz has the 3rd best goals against average in the ECHL....

PUCKS AND SKATES....autographed pucks are available before and between periods at the Booster Club table on the concourse, $10 each (proceeds to the Goals That Give Charity.) The next Skate With The Kings will be Feb 14, that could make for a unique Valentine's Day date. Be sure to visit the Booster Club table, ask about our activities, perhaps join our group, and have a look at the board that tracks goals and goalie wins.